If you are interested in a career in ultrasound, you may be faced with a lot of questions you’re unsure how to answer. “Which career path is right for me?” “How do I get started?” “How much money will I make?” Our guide to ultrasound technician schools and degrees in Etna can help you through the process of achieving your goal. We’ll help you learn about what it means to be an ultrasound technician, the various jobs in ultrasonography and related careers, understand the differences between degree levels, and decide which ultrasound technician school to attend. Learn more about your options and get started on your career path today.

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What Does an Ultrasound Technician do?

Ultrasound technicians image organs and other structures inside a patient’s body using equipment that relies on sound wave technology. The ultrasound images or scans they capture are used to diagnose and monitor medical conditions, abnormalities or diseases. Ultrasound techs work in concert with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and radiologists. They also help prepare patients for procedures, maintain ultrasound equipment, record patient history and present findings to the medical team. As diagnostic medical sonographers, they help interpret ultrasound images.

What are the Different Job Titles?

A sonographer is the same thing as an ultrasound tech. There is no difference. In fact, depending on their place of employment and special area of practice, they can also have job titles such as:

Diagnostic medical sonographer

Ultrasound technologist

Ultrasound technician

Ultrasonographer

Diagnostic cardiac sonographer

Cardiac sonographer

Echocardiographic technician

Vascular sonographer

Becoming an Ultrasound Technician in Etna

Though it is possible to start a career as an ultrasound technician in Etna, 83118 by getting on-the-job training at a medical facility, your best bet is to go to school first. Anything from a one year vocational training program to a four year degree can help you become an ultrasound tech, and the amount of education you get may determine your future career options. If you want to move on from sonography eventually, into a role as a nurse or even a doctor, you should plan your education accordingly. If becoming an ultrasound tech is your primary career goal, a shorter program, combined with good references and experience, wil get you the job you desire.

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, both medical assistant and ultrasound technician job opportunities are likely to rise in the next decade, and those with the best training will have broader choices about where they work, what hours they work, and how much money they earn. The medical field is growing rapidly, and becoming an ultrasound tech can help you get your foot in the door and give yourself room to grow, both personally and career-wise, in the industry.

To check out ultrasound sonography and medical assistant programs at top accredited online schools, click the links below, or look around this site for more information about this career path.

Ultrasound Technician Career Overview in Etna

Education

Associate’s degree is most common; certificate and bachelor’s degree programs also available

Certification

Professional certification may be required or preferred by some employers

Ultrasound Technician School: Degrees in Etna

With several options to choose from, which ultrasound degree in Etna is best? Here’s a look at what each level offers.

Associate’s Degree

An associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography can open the door to entry-level positions in the field. Most programs last between 18 and 24 months.

In addition to learning about equipment, ultrasound technician students can expect to receive a heavy dose of patient care education. Since sonographers interact closely with people all day, they need a strong grasp on how to interact with a diverse group of patients.

Mastering legal, ethical and regulatory topics will also be necessary.

Bachelor’s Degree

Most ultrasound technicians hold an associate’s degree, but if you’re looking to advance your education earning a bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography can offer great rewards.

The additional schooling will allow you to strengthen your problem-solving skills and get involved with research and projects. Some ultrasound technicians with BS degrees go on to pursue careers in medicine.

If a bachelor’s degree sounds like a logical step on your way to an ultrasound career, take note of the two options most schools offer.

Degree completion: These programs are specifically designed for sonographers who are part of a professional registry, such as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or those who have previous college credit. Most programs will also require that you are currently employed in the field.

If you haven’t taken certain general education courses, such as college algebra, social sciences and English composition, you’ll be required to complete these courses during ultrasound technician school. The professional courses will typically include:

Healthcare systems

Healthcare management

Fetal echo, neonatal and pediatric sonography

Musculoskeletal sonography

Breast sonography

You’ll spend much of your time in laboratory settings and most schools also require an externship at a local medical facility or lab.

If you already have your associate’s degree in sonography, there are bachelor’s degree completion options that allow you to specialize in areas like vascular sonography. Your time will be devoted to learning the intricacies of this specific track.

Four-year degree: Just starting out? For those without a previous degree or college credits, a four-year BS in diagnostic medical sonography is available. Like other BS degrees, you’ll take a combination of general education courses and classes specific to your major. The latter usually occurs in the last two years of the program, however, your initial coursework will prepare you with introduction science courses.

What’s the Job Market Like?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for diagnostic medical sonographers/ultrasound technologists in Etna looks very promising. The projected job growth between 2015 and 2023 is 44% in the United States. (The average job growth projection for all occupations in the U.S. is 14%). This equates to over 23,000 new ultrasound tech jobs within this decade.

Ultrasound Technician Salary

In 2013, the median salary for medical sonographers was $63,794/year in Etna, according to the BLS. The BLS adds that the bottom 10% of ultrasound technologists made $43,86119/year, whereas the top 10% made $95,563/year in Etna.

Numerous factors contribute to an ultrasound tech’s salary. Naturally the more experience you have, generally the more you will make. Certifications and higher education also lead to more advanced or specialized job positions which lead to higher compensation. Where you work also plays a role. For example, the BLS stated that in 2013, ultrasound technologists working in outpatient care centers made more than those in doctor’s offices, labs and hospitals. Finally, geographic location is also a factor.